RZone Policy

The RZone Policy is an operating procedure that has been adopted by the Municipality of Bluewater to create a code of conduct that applies to all municipal facilities, programs, parks and trails. The RZone procedure enforces a set of expectations around violence, vandalism and inappropriate behaviour for participants and members of the public.

The 'R' in the name and logo stands for respect and responsibility.

  • Respect for yourself
  • Respect for others
  • Responsibility for your actions

The logo will serve as a reminder to staff and the public that the operating procedure is in effect and applies to everyone—participants, visitors, residents and employees.

Incidents must be reported within 24 hours.

Inappropriate behaviour or actions for the purpose of this procedure includes, but is not limited to, the following behaviours:

  • Aggressive or intimidating approaches to another individual (verbal assault)
  • Threats
  • Attempts to goad or incite anger in others
  • Throwing of articles in a deliberate or aggressive manner
  • Physical striking of another individual
  • Theft of property
  • Possession of weapons
  • Illegal consumption of alcohol or drugs
  • Contravention of Municipal by-laws, policies, or procedures
  • Vandalism: the deliberate destruction, damage or defacing of property owned or leased through the Municipality
  • Harassment: “engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome” as defined by the Ontario Human Rights Code and covered by the Township’s Workplace Harassment and Violence Policies

If you feel you have witnessed an act of violence, vandalism and/or inappropriate behaviour at one of our facilities that has violated the RZone, you may report it in the following ways:

  • Submitting a report online through our website.
  • Requesting a paper copy of the form at any of our facilities.

If you have any questions regarding reporting an incident, please contact the Manager of Facilities at 519-236-4351 ext. 240.

Please review the Rzone Enforcement Guidelines for more details.

Each incident will be reviewed based on information available.

This chart represents guidelines, and outlines the consequences for acts of inappropriate behaviour at all municipal facilities, properties, sponsored events, programs, in written or verbal communication (including email or phone), in vehicles, or any other location where Municipal staff are present. It is understood that these guidelines do not include all types of behaviour, that each incident will be reviewed based on information available. Consequences may be more severe or escalated depending on the circumstances of the inappropriate conduct.

Incident 1st Occurrence 2nd Occurrence 3rd Occurrence

Aggressive or intimidating approaches to another individual (verbal assault)

Attempts to goad or incite anger in others

Warning letter Minimum 3-month Minimum 1-year ban and review to  determine if further consequences are
warranted.

Threats

Harassment

Minimum 3-month ban Minimum 6-month ban and review to determine if further consequences are warranted. Minimum 3-year ban and review to determine if further consequences are warranted. 

Throwing of articles in a deliberate or  aggressive manner

Physical striking of another individual

 Illegal consumption of alcohol or drugs

Possession of weapons

 

Minimum 6-month ban Minimum 1-year ban and review to  determine if further consequences are warranted. Minimum 3-year ban and review to  determine if further consequences are
warranted.
Vandalism to building or property/theft

 

Minimum 1-month ban plus payment of repair costs and 20% administration fee. Minimum 6-month ban plus payment of repair costs and 20% administration fee and review to determine if further consequences  are warranted. Minimum 3-year ban plus payment of repair costs and 20% administration fee and review to determine if further consequences  are warranted.

 

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